Many people make rash decisions when it comes to home or landscaping improvements. They must thoroughly research the options which can lead to future regrets and problems. We are committed to educating clients, and we’ve listed below some facts you should know about interlocking drives before buying one.
What are they made of?
What is an interlocking drive made of? The pavers that are used for an interlocking drive may also be called “cement pavers,” but that is not what they are made of. The pavers are made from a mixture of sand aggregate cement and water.
They will often contain pigmentation, and the mixture produces a durable, long-lasting result. This is ideal for driveways, paths, and patios.
What about the Sand Base?
The pavers used to create an interlocking drive are just some things that matter. They also need a bed of sand on which they’re laid. This base must be properly prepared, or it will affect the performance and structure of the interlocking drive that is placed on top.
After the sand has been applied in layers, each layer will be compressed with a particular machine. If the sand is not perfectly leveled, it can cause the pavers to “settle” and move. This will reduce their life expectancy and increase the risk of damage.
Strength increases over time.
Interlocking driveways are among the strongest paver solutions available. They have a psi of 8000. Brick is the closest material in terms of its psi. The structural strength of the driveway increases with age as the pavers become more compacted.
Sand is the key component.
It’s not the pavers who do most of the work, but the sand. This is another reason why it’s important to lay down the sand correctly. The sand is not just regular sand but joint or polymeric.
It creates friction that allows the pavers to “lock.” Edge restraints, which are part of the design for an interlocking driveway, also help to achieve this.
Cracking is not an issue.
Are you considering a concrete or an asphalt driveway? Well, don’t! The interlocking driveway has several advantages to both of these alternatives. Concrete is one of the cheapest paving materials but is also prone to cracking.
It is also difficult to repair. This “weakness,” also shared by asphalt, will not be a problem if you install an interlocking drive. Concrete pavers have joints between them, making them more flexible than other driveway options.
The interlocking driveway is permeable.
This statement is often met with the response, “Oh…and it’s a good thing?”. We assure you that it is. Rainwater will run over non-permeable surfaces because it cannot penetrate them.
This can lead to erosion over time. It can also pressure the public sewer system during a storm and increase basement flooding. If you lay an interlocking drive with this purpose in mind, it will soak up a lot of rainwater. Problem solved!
As part of your investment in an interlocking driveway for your home, finding a reliable residential driveway interlocking builder is key to its success.
Your decision will have a substantial effect on how the project turns out; look for experienced professionals with top-tier craftsmanship using quality materials with portfolios showing off their work as well as references and client feedback to confirm they meet expectations – this will help ensure an informed choice and successful interlocking driveway investment experience!
Safety First
It may not be the first thing you consider when choosing a new driveway, but it is a huge advantage. This is especially true during rainy seasons and winter when there’s always ice.
Interlocking driveways are considered to be the most slip-resistant, which prevents you from falling and injuring yourself. It is a good choice for those who have elderly or children visiting their property.